The animals refuse to follow an edict: everyone and everything in this book must be very serious.
As such, the narrator has banned loud noises, colour, funny faces, back flips and more. Unfortunately for the narrator, the animals aren't exactly on board with the idea.
This book is giggle worthy, and young kids are likely to enjoy the silly acts of rebellion by the featured animals. However, I wanted full on belly laughs and I can't say that's what I got.
That being said, this book is clean fun, and my three-year-old enjoyed it without finding a reason to interrupt, which is always sign of quality.
One definite pro about this book: it adheres to the tried and tested contemporary metafictional humour style which has been popular for the past few years.
Similar books include The Wrong Book by Nick Bland (a personal favourite. I own two paperbacks and a hardcopy. Yes, really.), and Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee.
One con about this book: it adheres to the tried and tested metafictional humour style, a la The Wrong Book and Do Not Close This Book.
My point is, this book is funny, but it doesn't feel as fresh and chortle-inducing as I'd hoped. However, if you like the books mentioned above, this one is definitely worth a look.
By the way, Rieley's illustrations are delightful, his animals cheeky and sweet. I just adore white space, and Rieley utilises it wonderfully.
Oh! How could I forget. Thanks to Parachini, I now know the definition of 'bottom parps', and for that I am most grateful. Seriously.
Title: This is a Serious Book
Author: Jodie Parachini
Illustrator: Daniel Rieley
Publisher: Faber & Faber, $14.99
Publication Date: 27 February 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780571329465
For ages: 2 - 5
Type: Picture Book
